Paycor Stadium Bag Policy: Your Ultimate Guide

Paycor Stadium, formerly known as Paul Brown Stadium, is an iconic and beloved sports venue that’s been a prominent fixture in Cincinnati for decades. While Paycor Stadium is the official name of the venue, it’s more commonly known as Paul Brown Stadium among the Bengals faithful and casual Cincinnati locals alike. 

Bengals games are famously rowdy, with the franchise encouraging a participatory atmosphere for its colorful (often orange and striped) fans. There’s a reason Paycor is one of the bucket-list NFL stadiums for football die-hards. With a seating capacity of over 65,000, it serves not only as the home of the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals but also the go-to venue for the largest concerts and events held in the city. 

It’s centrally located near downtown, which makes it an ideal destination for traveling fans and locals who want to grab a bite or drink at Cincinnati’s underrated dining and nightlife scenes. Some notable attractions in the city also include the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Cincinnati Art Museum, American Sign Museum, and the Taft Museum of Art. The city is also known for its yearly festivals and events.

If you’re traveling into Cincinnati or staying downtown and are stuck with your bags, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the Paycor Stadium bag policy. If you have luggage or large items of any sort, you’ll want to arrange a secure place to store them during the game. But let's look at the bag policy details first, so you know what to expect.

Paycor Stadium Bag Policy 

The Paycor Stadium bag policy only allows clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags. Clear bags cannot exceed 12" x 6" x 12". This policy includes clear backpacks, clear fanny packs, clear purses, and clear cinch bags as long as it's within the size restrictions. The policy allows for one approved clear bag and a clutch purse per person, this includes children.

Other than bags that are clear a small clutch purse no larger than 4.5" x 6.5" is allowed. A clear plastic bag (like a Ziploc bag) that holds one gallon is allowed in but cannot contain outside food. 

All backpacks, luggage, totes, and coolers, among other items, are strictly prohibited at Paycor Stadium. Any non-clear bag that is bigger than the size restriction will be turned away. The only exceptions are for medically necessary items. Diaper bags aren't allowed, you'll need to transfer what you need into a clear bag.

All bags entering Paycor Stadium will go through proper inspection as well.

Store Your Belongings with Bounce While at Paycor Stadium

Thanks to the restrictive Paycor Stadium rules, you may be in a bind trying to figure out what to do with your oversized belongings. Any non-clear bags and luggage can't go into the venue with you, which is where we come in handy. You can take advantage of our temporary luggage storage options in Cincinnati that are convenient, affordable, and provide you with peace of mind.

You can use our app to find the most convenient location, make a booking, and then drop off your items on the day of the Cincinnati Bengals game or any other events taking place. Your bags will be stored in areas off limits to the public, and we also include $10,000 protection on all bookings. You'll be able to stroll up to the Paycor Stadium gates worry-free, and without the weight of your bags.

To sweeten the offer even more, we provide a 24-hour flat rate fee so you don't have to worry about the time while you're cheering on the Cincinnati Bengals. If the game runs a little late, or you want to grab a bite to eat afterwards, it's no big deal!

Additional Rules and Tips for Paycor Stadium

If you've got tickets for an event at Paycor Stadium the bag policy is only one of a few you should be aware of. There are additional rules, restrictions, and tips that can help ensure you have a fabulous time.

Paycor Stadium Food Policy 

The Paycor Stadium food policy strictly prohibits all outside food and beverages. The only exception is sealed bottled water. Each fan can bring in one bottle of water. Outside alcoholic beverages won't be permitted entry, but you can purchase alcohol inside Paycor Stadium. 

While there are lots of concessions inside the stadium offering an array of food and drinks at different price points, be warned that if you have specific dietary needs the options are limited. It's probably a good idea to eat before arriving at the stadium.

Paycor Stadium Transportation Options

Paycor Stadium is located along the Ohio River in downtown Cincinnati making it convenient to get to. If you're driving in from a suburb or from out of town, Paycor Stadium is easily accessible from highways I-71 and I-75. Parking on game days is expensive and fills up fast. In keeping with tradition, tailgating is a Bengals pastime, and the lots open four hours before kickoff. Just know that open-flame tailgating is prohibited.

Cincinnati's Metro bus system provides routes that serve the stadium area. The Cincinnati Bell Connector streetcar also stops just outside the stadium. 

Services like Uber and Lyft are common in Cincinnati, especially in downtown or neighborhoods like Over The Rhine. Surge pricing can make it pretty expensive, and traffic will definitely factor into the convenience. Taxis are less common but can be hailed in downtown areas. 

Paycor Stadium Camera Policy 

Guests can feel free to bring in hand-held cameras as long as they aren't for professional use. To ensure your camera doesn't get in the way of others, it can't have a lens longer than six inches. You also can't use flash photography in the stadium. Things such as tripods, monopods, and selfie sticks are considered "professional equipment", and won't be allowed in.

Video cameras on the other hand are strictly prohibited. So you'll need to leave it behind with your other bags and belongings.

Seat Cushions Policy 

Fans may bring in a seat cushion (without pockets), which is useful during the colder months.  

Banners, Signs, and Flags 

All banners, flags, and signs must be smaller than 3' x 8' and cannot obstruct the view of other patrons. All signage and language must pertain to the event and not be inappropriate or offensive in any way. Flagpoles and sticks are not allowed inside the stadium. 

Entry and Re-Entry

For Bengals games, every Paycor Stadium gate opens 90 minutes prior to kickoff. Gate times may vary for concerts and events. Once guests leave, they won't be allowed re-enter.

Cashless Facility

Paycor Stadium has gone completely cashless, so fans will need to bring a credit or debit card to purchase concessions or merchandise. Mobile payments like Google or Apple Pay are also accepted, and there are cash-to-card kiosks (reverse ATMs) throughout Paycor Stadium. 

Having a Fabulous Time at Paycor Stadium 

With its incredible atmosphere and distinctive fanbase, Paycor Stadium is a must-visit NFL Stadium for football fans. If you’re a live music fan and your favorite artist is playing stadiums on their tour, taking a trip to Cincinnati is a great way to catch a show and explore this underrated travel destination. Just remember, your best resource for luggage storage is Bounce. With dozens of locations across Cincinnati and even a few near the stadium, you're well taken care of.